This March the McKinley School community had the opportunity to participate in our first One School, One Read experience. Students and staff members spent time reading one of the most famous children’s books of all-time, Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White. Written in 1952, this classic story of friendship and loyalty recounts the tale of Wilbur, the pig, who is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to become the farmer’s Christmas dinner. Wilbur’s barnyard friend, a gray spider named Charlotte, decides to take matters into her own hands. Assisted by Templeton the rat, Charlotte hatches a brilliant plan to save Wilbur’s life.
Dr. Bernardoni, McKinley principal, bought special edition copies of Charlotte’s Web for all classrooms and special area teachers. This Signature edition (see photo below) features large-type print and watercolors of Garth Williams artwork by renowned artist Rosemary Wells.
During February and March, 2008, every McKinley classroom teacher read Charlotte’s Web out loud. Additional copies of this book were added to the library media center’s collection to support our One School, One Read project. Primary and Intermediate classroom teachers developed lessons and extension activities across the curriculum to further the read-aloud. Our Word-of-the-Day bulletin board in Broadway featured vocabulary words from Charlotte’s Web selected by Dr. Bernardoni. Students (and staff) utilized vocabulary from Charlotte’s Web in lessons and as part of classroom Word Walls. Hearing the words “Salutations,” “Terrific,” “Radiant,” “Humble,” and “Some Pig” put a smile on our faces.
Additional activities were generated to support this endeavor, including a dramatic production of Charlotte’s Web by the newly-created McKinley Drama Club, and an all-school field trip to see a production of Charlotte’s Web at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. Lastly, Mrs. Reddy, our art teacher, purchased life-sized fiberglass pigs for each grade to name, paint, and decorate. The pigs were displayed at the fourth annual “Evening of the Arts” held on May 2nd and auctioned off to the highest bidder(s). Like Wilbur, each and every creation could be “Some Pig!”
Learn more about the pigs at Pigs on Parade.
This is just a great blog! Congratulations your wonderful “one school-one book” program. You are an inspiration.
Carolyn
I love that you are sharing what was one of the most exciting events that I ever experienced as a teacher. How wonderful it was to celebrate E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web as a whole school. The children were submerged in the story of Charlotte’s Web through read alouds, a musical, a play, art work and music! In our digital age, it can be quite a challenge to get kids excited about books. Thanks McKinley for celebrating literature in such a wonderful all encompassing way! Thanks, Gail for sharing!!!
What a great way to share one of the many ways our school comes together as a community!